History of jitConnect

When youth leave the foster care system, they’ve been handed a thick folder filled with agencies and acronyms that might be helpful as they navigate their path to self-sufficiency. But they’ve also been frustrated by the task of sifting through all the names and numbers to find the right fit for their needs in a haystack of possibilities that all too often lead to dead ends and frustration. Just in Time understands that a resource might as well not exist if you can’t find it. The latest research shows that many transitioning foster youth are not connecting to essential opportunities for assistance in crucial areas like education, housing, employment, and finances.

This new searchable resource website is an interactive and easy to navigate platform that will improve access to essential resources and critical connections across San Diego County for a more effective transition for youth moving from foster care to self-sufficiency. It also empowers them to build their own digital community by inviting them to take ownership of the site by evaluating and recommending resources to their peers as well as sharing news and information about new policies and initiatives that impact the lives of foster youth. Every resource posted on the interactive platform will be referred, and/or vetted by JIT’s staff, volunteers, and community partners. Whether it’s a storage facility, repair shop, or transitional living program, each resource will be continuously verified and updated, which will ensure youth are connected with organizations that are reliable, legitimate, and have their best interest in mind.

JIT thanks our visionary partners – the Junior League of San Diego and the San Diego County Board of Supervisors – who helped make this major leap possible so that more youth have easy access to the critical resources they need.